Cheryl Kuczek
Cheryl Kuczek is a designer of handbags, clothing and home accessories. Her custom designs combine charm with a modern eclectic, retro twist. After a twenty-one year career at upscale retailer, Nordstrom, she launched her custom design business, Paradiso Designs by Cheryl Kuczek. In fall 2006, Cheryl launched her own independent pattern line with four handbag patterns. Since then she has published seven more patterns, including two skirts, a kimono jacket, throw pillow and two handbags. After meeting Sandra Betzina at Sew Expo in 2010, Cheryl was invited to film two shows for Power Sewing in October 2010. In May 2011 at the International Quilt Market in Houston, Cheryl introduced two new patterns with plans for at least 7 more by Fall 2011. Her pattern line is represented by several national distributors. Stitch magazine has two projects designed by Cheryl in the Fall 2011 issue.
Six years ago Cheryl began teaching adults and children not only how to sew, but how to incorporate their own styles into custom creations. As a teacher Cheryl loves helping her students learn to sew beyond what they believed they could. Using her handbag patterns, she helps them create their own look. They also learn to draft their own patterns to make clothing that fits them and, for the children to make all kinds of whimsical stuffed creatures. Cheryl helps all of her students start and complete their own projects and even more importantly to really understand design and the evolving creative process. She finds tremendous joy in the ability to give others a reason to sew and create as well. It is Cheryl’s passion!
Beyond expanding her pattern line, Cheryl’s goal is to design a line of fabric and is working on a designer hand bag book outline with Interweave. Visit Cheryl’s blog at www.paradisodesigns.blogspot.com to get inspired and find all of Cheryl’s patterns on her website www.paradisodesigns.com.
Bling that Pillow, Cheryl Kuczek
Bling that Pillow (25) Beginner
Take the Perfect Pillows pattern by Paradiso Designs and combine with WonderFil Specialty Threads to make your own posh pillows. Cheryl guides you through couching embellishment heaven using Razzle, Dazzle and Sizzle threads for simple yet sophisticated designs! Plus, learn to insert an invisible zipper and use muslin as a stabilizer to complete your project! Supply List & Kit $6 includes pattern
3 Hour Workshop
Bohemian Embellishment for your HoBo Bag, Cheryl Kuczek
Bohemian Embellishment for your HoBo Bag (25) Intermediate
The Urbanista HoBo Bag by Paradiso Designs, a mix of bohemian elegance and high fashion, is a big canvas just waiting to be stitched using 12 weight cotton threads by WonderFil Specialty Threads. Use the 12 weight thread for designer stitching details when making a strap that looks and feels like leather. Want a little twinkle too? Cheryl shows fun secrets to add cool eyelet lace to a denim background and finish with WonderFil for a unique look that’s all your own! Supply List & Kit $17 includes pattern.
4 Hour Workshop
Sparkle Bubble Skirt, Cheryl Kuczek
Sparkle Bubble Skirt (25) Beginner
The sparkle in this holiday bubble skirt comes alive with decorative stitches and WonderFil Specialty Metallic Threads! See how to get lovely sparkle by simply using decorative stitching embellishment. It’s easier than you think. Join Cheryl to get the scoop on how to stitch with metallic threads from WonderFil. Supply List & Kit $8 Includes pattern.
3 Hour Workshop
Class registration will begin July 30, 2012. Check out our website for additional details on classes, packages and registration information. www.creativfestival.ca